CattleUSA Daily

This week, Lauren and Emma step away from markets to address the devastating wildfires burning across the Oklahoma Panhandle and southern Kansas. With more than 283,000 acres affected and containment still ongoing at the time of recording, ranchers are facing cattle losses, destroyed infrastructure, burned grazing ground, and long-term recovery challenges. This episode breaks down what we know, what recovery really looks like, and how producers across the country can show up in meaningful and legitimate ways to help.

LinksKansasKLA Office - (785) 273-5115Donate Online - https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/disaster-relief-donations Wildfire Relief Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017wildfirereliefThe Rancher Navy Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/182zrvruJZ/OklahomaOCF Office - 405-435-4391OCF Fire Relief Fund - https://www.okcattlemen.org/If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a 501c(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA). Make checks payable toOklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.Donation Centers - https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/emergency-and-disaster-preparedness/wildfire/donation-centers-for-wildfire-relief.html

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• The Ranger Road Fire has burned over 283,000 acres as of February 20
• High winds and dry conditions accelerated the spread rapidly
• Multiple fires ignited across the region, not just one location
• Containment remains limited, with recovery efforts ongoing
• Infrastructure losses include fencing, barns, equipment, and homes
• Smoke inhalation and delayed cattle losses may continue after the fire is contained
• Calving season adds additional vulnerability for affected operations
• Volunteer fire departments and neighbors are carrying much of the response
• Fraud and illegitimate donation efforts are a real risk after disasters
• County Extension Offices and state cattle organizations are the safest contact points for donations
• Hauling hay and supplies is a critical need
• Long-term recovery includes rebuilding herds, grass, and infrastructure
• Strategic grazing management can help reduce future fire risk
• The mental and emotional toll on producers is significant

Chapters

00:00 Why we’re having this conversation
01:15 What happened in Beaver County and the Ranger Road Fire
03:30 Containment status and comparison to previous wildfires
06:00 Cattle losses, infrastructure damage, and economic impact
09:00 The emotional reality for producers
12:00 How to donate safely and avoid scams
15:00 Physical supply needs and hauling support
17:30 Long-term mitigation and grazing management strategies
20:00 Closing encouragement and community support

Oklahoma wildfire 2025, Kansas wildfire 2025, Ranger Road Fire, Beaver County Oklahoma fire, cattle losses wildfire, ranch fire recovery, livestock wildfire damage, Kansas Livestock Association relief, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation fire relief, donate hay wildfire, fencing supplies wildfire relief, volunteer firefighters ranch fire, smoke inhalation cattle, grazing management wildfire prevention, agricultural disaster response

Cattle markets continue their historic climb with seven-dollar calves, feeder cattle pushing new highs, and fed cattle trading near $2.50. Demand remains strong and buying depth continues to surprise producers across the Plains.

But this week’s market strength is overshadowed by devastating wildfires across southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle. With over 200,000 acres burned, ranchers are facing destroyed grass, fences, infrastructure, and smoke-damaged cattle. The rebuilding effort will take months and community support will be critical.

This episode covers the market update, regional highlights, and how listeners can support fire relief efforts through trusted cattle industry organizations.

Links

Kansas

KLA Office - (785) 273-5115

Donate Online - https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/disaster-relief-donations

Wildfire Relief Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017wildfirerelief

The Rancher Navy Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/182zrvruJZ/

Oklahoma

OCF Office - 405-435-4391

OCF Fire Relief Fund - https://www.okcattlemen.org/

If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a 501c(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA). Make checks payable to
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box
82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.

Donation Centers - https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/emergency-and-disaster-preparedness/wildfire/donation-centers-for-wildfire-relief.html

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Calf and feeder markets remain extremely strong across the region
• Seven-dollar three-weight steers reported in Colorado
• Eight-weight steers trading north of $360
• Spring calving cows selling above $4,000 in select packages
• Fed cattle reported as high as $250 in some areas
• Regional demand remains aggressive despite lighter receipts
• Over 200,000 acres burned in Kansas and Oklahoma wildfires
• Smoke damage, fence loss, and long-term grass loss create ongoing challenges
• 100 percent of relief funds through state cattle associations go directly to impacted ranchers
• Donations, hay, fencing supplies, fuel, and trucking support are all needed

Chapters

00:00 Market tone and mixed emotions
01:20 La Junta market report
04:30 Regional highlights from Dodge City, Pratt, Riverton
07:00 Fed cattle and cash trade strength
08:00 Wildfire devastation across Kansas and Oklahoma
11:00 Personal perspective from 2017 wildfire experience
14:00 Relief resources and how to help
19:00 Closing encouragement and community call to action

cattle market update, seven dollar calves, $250 fed cattle, feeder cattle prices, spring calving cow prices, Dodge City cattle market, Pratt Kansas cattle sale, Riverton Wyoming cattle, Kansas wildfires, Oklahoma Panhandle wildfires, ranch fire relief, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Kansas Livestock Association, wildfire cattle losses, fence loss fire, hay donation fire relief, rancher support efforts, beef demand strength, cash cattle rally

This week the team digs into a strong cash cattle rally, a technical breakout in futures, and what finally gave the board something real to price. Cash traded up to 250 in spots, feeders were choppy, and open interest suggests managed money still believes in the move.

But under the surface, cow slaughter is ticking higher, dairy liquidation is adding volume, and March and April supplies may not be as tight as some hope. At the same time, beef demand projections for 2026 were revised higher, signaling strong long-term optimism. The big questions now revolve around consumer follow-through, packer behavior, and whether grilling season can absorb the added numbers.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Cash cattle rallied sharply late week, with trade up to 250 in some regions
• Futures responded with technical strength and renewed optimism
• Feeder markets remain uneven, with heavier cattle favored
• Canadian competition is adding pressure in certain regions
• Cow slaughter is increasing, especially from dairy liquidation
• Spring-fed cows and higher slaughter rates could cap rallies
• Beef demand forecasts were revised higher for 2026
• Consumer demand during grilling season will be critical
• Grain markets remain mostly sideways, with risk still present

Chapters

00:00 Market tone and wind-blown Midwest
01:20 Cash cattle rally and futures breakout
03:40 Feeder cattle and Canadian competition
06:30 Cow slaughter trends and dairy impact
09:30 Demand outlook and grilling season
11:30 Grain market caution

cash cattle trade, 250 live cattle, feeder cattle market, cow slaughter increase, dairy liquidation, Canadian cattle imports, beef demand forecast 2026, grilling season demand, cattle futures technical breakout, open interest cattle, packer behavior, formula pricing cattle, USDA beef consumption, ground beef demand, corn market outlook, soybean market risk

Lauren and Gary open with a little real-life adulting before diving into what matters for producers right now. Moisture is finally showing up in some areas, but the bigger story is timing. Gary breaks down where the LRC cycle is headed next, why Kansas and Nebraska still need to watch late March into mid-April closely, and what a potential early April hard freeze could mean for winter wheat. They also discuss severe weather windows, why this year’s unusually long cycle matters, and why heat stress planning for late July into early August needs to start now.

Links

Weather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usa
Substack - https://weather2020.substack.com/
The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-app
Youtube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020
Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak 
CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Takeaways

• Some moisture is returning, but key Plains regions remain behind
• The LRC focuses on timing risk windows weeks to months ahead
• April 5–15 is a potential hard freeze window across parts of the Plains
• Early to mid-March storms in the West can trigger warm-ups across the Plains
• Late March into mid-April cycles back toward colder risk
• This year’s cycle is unusually long at roughly 10–11 weeks
• Severe weather windows can be projected based on prior cycle behavior
• March 16–25 is flagged for severe weather risk, with a late May to early June return
• Late July into early/mid-August remains the primary heat wave risk window
• Heat stress planning should begin now, not when temperatures spike

Chapters

00:00 Moisture update and where conditions stand
03:00 April freeze window and what it could mean
06:00 Severe weather timing and the long cycle
10:30 Summer heat risk and planning ahead
14:00 Real life, ranch life, and weekend snow watch

LRC weather pattern, Lezak Recurring Cycle, Weather 2020, Plains drought, Kansas weather outlook, Nebraska moisture, winter wheat freeze risk, April hard freeze, spring cold fronts, March storm track, severe weather windows, tornado timing, late May storms, summer heat wave, cattle heat stress planning, feedlot heat risk, pasture management weather, Midwest weather forecast, predictive weather model

Lauren poses a leadership question that most producers avoid because it forces honesty. If you had to start over from absolute scratch with the same land, region, and resources, what would you build differently. This episode is not about regret. It’s about reflection, alignment, and using clarity to make smarter decisions now without needing a full reset. Lauren breaks down the most common “I’d do this sooner” patterns she hears from experienced ranchers, then gives listeners a simple two-list exercise to create momentum before summer.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Takeaways

• The “start over” question is a leadership tool, not a regret spiral
• Clarity comes from saying the quiet answers out loud
• Reflection sounds like “that taught me something,” not “I messed up”
• Most experienced producers already know where their operation is misaligned
• 5 common patterns ranchers say they’d change sooner: cow fit, equipment, numbers, culling discipline, systems
• Matching cows to land beats matching cows to trends, neighbors, or what looks impressive
• Equipment ownership often feels productive but can quietly drain margin
• Tracking cost per cow and breakevens earlier prevents expensive “invisible habits”
• Emotional culling decisions are expensive. Math-driven standards protect profitability
• Systems create sustainability. Hard work alone eventually breaks people
• You don’t have to start over. You can adjust from here
• The real barrier to change is psychology: change feels like admitting you were wrong
• Evolving your operation is not betrayal of tradition. It’s stewardship and leadership
• Homework: make a “stop” list and a “start” list, then act on one item from each before summer

Chapters

00:00 The question: if you had to start over, would you do it differently
01:25 Clarity vs regret, and why most ranchers avoid reflection
05:25 The psychology: why people don’t change even when they know they should
06:40 Flip the question: what would you keep if you started over
07:10 Listener homework: stop list, start list, one action before summer

ranch management, ranch profitability, cow calf operation, ranch efficiency, cost per cow, breakeven analysis, culling strategy, replacement heifers, cow size and efficiency, equipment costs, custom hire vs own equipment, grazing systems, water infrastructure, fencing systems, ranch debt structure, pasture lease negotiation, ranch leadership, producer mindset, regret vs reflection, ranch systems, sustainable ranching, rural business leadership, ranch decision making, cattle operation turnaround, management intensive grazing, herd alignment, reproductive efficiency, breeding window, ranch planning, ranch strategy

Burnout in agriculture hits different because the work doesn’t stop. The cows still need fed, the water still needs checked, and calving doesn’t care how tired you are. In this episode, Lauren and Emma get real about burnout, mental health, and the pressure of carrying too much for too long. They talk through lived experience, the “cowboy up” mentality, the danger of isolation, and practical ways to manage stress when stepping away isn’t an option.

Links

Mental Health Resources - https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-congressional-relations/office-external-and-intergovernmental-affairs/center-faith/farm-stress-and-mental-health-resources

Emma's Links - https://linktr.ee/doubleeranch ⁠

CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠

Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium

CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠

Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠

Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco⁠

The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠

Key Takeaways

• Burnout is common in ag because the work never pauses
• “Cowboy up” can’t be the only coping mechanism
• Agriculture can be isolating, which amplifies mental health risk
• It’s okay to ask for help, on the ranch and in life
• Finding the right support matters, especially people who understand ag
• Dumping your to-do list helps reduce mental load at night
• Small daily habits can create real relief over time
• Delegation is hard but necessary as operations and businesses grow
• Burnout affects relationships, not just productivity
• Progress is easier to see when you track it over time
• Faith, mentors, and professional resources can all play a role
• Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of the operation

Chapters

00:00 Burnout, stress, and the reality of “the work doesn’t stop”
01:45 Why ag burnout is different than other industries
03:10 “Cowboy up” culture and why it has limits
04:30 Isolation, suicide risk, and why community matters
06:10 Why “just step away” isn’t realistic in ag
07:45 Practical tools: brain dump lists, reading, decompression
10:00 Delegation, assistants, and letting go of control
12:30 Tracking progress to fight the “I’m not doing enough” feeling
13:55 Burnout impacts your family and relationships
14:45 What support can look like: faith, mentors, resources
15:30 Closing thoughts: you can’t run the ranch if you’re not okay

ag burnout, mental health in agriculture, ranch burnout, farmer stress, cattle industry wellness, rural mental health, burnout recovery, stress management for ranchers, farm mental health resources, agricultural suicide prevention, work-life balance in ag, burnout in business owners

John Campbell breaks down this week’s regional market report and then moves into two big headline conversations: the latest on Mexican screwworm control claims and a producer question that hits a nerve, should the US government control and label all foreign beef imports instead of funneling supply through the Big Four. Lauren and John talk through the upside, the risks, and the ugly reality that imported lean beef is already part of the US ground beef equation.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Regional sale barn prices stayed strong, with wheat cattle moving earlier in some areas
• Dry weather and good wheat conditions are pulling cattle forward
• Mexico’s federal response to screwworm is being criticized as ineffective
• Chihuahua and Sonora are reportedly blocking cattle from southern regions to limit screwworm risk
• US prevention and eradication efforts are likely the only realistic backstop long-term
• The SAFE Cattle Act aims to expand USDA and Interior Department roles in screwworm prevention, control, and eradication
• Producer question: should the government handle, label, and distribute all imported beef instead of the Big Four
• Labeling sounds simple, but implementation gets messy fast when imports are already embedded in ground beef supply chains
• Imports are primarily lean beef used in ground beef, not middle meats
• More competition is the real lever, but there’s no clean solution without tradeoffs

Chapters

00:00 Welcome back + quick life update
00:50 Weekly market recap: Lahanta
02:25 Regional market highlights: Riverton, Dodge City, Pratt, Salina
04:55 Super Bowl follow-up and the “public apology”
10:10 Screwworm update: Chihuahua and Sonora actions vs Mexico federal response
12:30 SAFE Cattle Act overview and why US action matters
14:55 Listener question: should the government control and label all imported beef
17:45 Pros, cons, and unintended consequences for cattle prices and beef demand
21:45 Lauren’s take: less government, more competition, and consumer behavior reality
25:25 John’s take: if imports are inevitable, can it be used to force competition
29:20 Administration signals: “more US beef” and the contradiction producers feel
31:35 Closing thoughts + call for listener comments

cattle markets update, sale barn prices, feeder cattle prices, wheat cattle run, beef imports, foreign beef imports, country of origin labeling, COOL beef, ground beef imports, big four packers, packer concentration, beef supply chain, screwworm update, Mexican screwworm, border cattle trade, SAFE Cattle Act, USDA screwworm prevention, cattle industry policy

Getting involved in the cattle industry doesn’t have to mean running for national office or stepping into a high-profile leadership role. It can start with showing up to a meeting, asking better questions, or having a real conversation at your local grocery store. In this episode, Lauren and Emma unpack what “getting involved” actually looks like, why positive discourse matters, and how producers at every level can step off their operation and into meaningful participation. From local boards to national policy conversations, this episode challenges the mindset of “them” and shifts it to “me.”

Links

Emma's Links - https://linktr.ee/doubleeranch ⁠

CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠

Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠

Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠

Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium

CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠

Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠

Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco⁠

The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠

Key Takeaways

• Complaining without participation does nothing for the industry
• Positive discourse is necessary for growth and long-term sustainability
• Differing opinions reflect diverse operations and environments
• Ranching in Arizona looks different than ranching in Kansas or New York
• National decisions affect producers differently across regions
• Open-mindedness is critical in policy and organizational conversations
• Research requires effort beyond headlines and social media summaries
• Getting involved does not require stepping into a leadership position
• Community-level involvement builds the foundation for national impact
• You can start by observing — you don’t have to speak immediately
• Trying different organizations is okay; not every fit is permanent
• Relationships built through involvement expand access to knowledge and resources
• Education and advocacy can happen in everyday interactions
• Consumer-level conversations are just as important as policy work
• Real change starts locally, not in Washington

Chapters

00:00 Nashville recap and setting the tone
01:30 What “getting involved” actually means
03:00 Positive discourse vs defensive reactions
05:40 National vs regional lived experiences
07:30 Research, misinformation, and open-mindedness
10:00 Starting small and finding your fit
12:30 Leadership isn’t the only path
14:00 Advocacy in everyday conversations
16:30 Shifting from “them” to “me”
18:00 Practical first steps for producers

cattle industry involvement, producer advocacy, agricultural leadership, beef industry policy, positive discourse in agriculture, rancher community engagement, Farm Bureau involvement, extension agent resources, producer voice in policy, agricultural education outreach, beef industry participation, rural community leadership

Cow size has become a badge of honor in some circles, but when you strip away opinion and look strictly at biological efficiency, the numbers tell a different story. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the science behind cow size and maintenance requirements, comparing large-framed cows to moderate, high-performing cows in real-world forage-limited systems. From maintenance energy demands and reproductive performance to pounds weaned per acre, this conversation centers on measurable efficiency — not aesthetics, sale barn perception, or show ring trends.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Efficiency is measured by pounds weaned relative to cow weight — not by frame size
• Maintenance energy requirements increase disproportionately as cow size increases
• Larger cows consume significantly more forage year-round
• A cow should ideally wean 45–50% of her body weight
• A 1,600 lb cow must wean 720–800 lbs to hit that benchmark
• A 1,250 lb cow only needs 560–625 lbs to meet the same efficiency target
• Maintenance is the largest annual nutritional cost in a cow herd
• Bigger cows often require higher-quality feed to maintain reproductive performance
• Reproductive failure erases any advantage from heavier weaning weights
• Moderate cows tend to maintain body condition better in variable forage systems
• Forage-limited ranches are constrained by acres, not headcount
• More moderate cows per acre often means more total pounds produced per acre
• Longevity compounds profitability more than frame score
• Selecting for size alone selects for higher maintenance costs
• True ranch efficiency is measured per acre and per unit of forage

Chapters

00:00 Why cow size deserves a biological discussion
01:30 How efficiency is actually measured
02:30 Maintenance energy and dry matter intake explained
03:40 The 45–50% weaning weight benchmark
05:00 Reproduction under nutritional stress
06:40 Forage-limited systems and stocking rate math
08:10 Longevity and compounding profitability
09:30 Selecting for efficiency over size

Keywords

cow size efficiency, beef cattle maintenance costs, pounds weaned per cow, cow body weight efficiency, forage-based cattle systems, ranch profitability metrics, stocking rate management, reproductive performance cattle, biological efficiency beef cattle, cow maintenance energy requirements, moderate frame cows, beef production economics

Cattle markets are sitting in a tight, sideways range, and it has everyone on edge. Cash has stayed supportive, but futures continue to hesitate at key resistance levels, creating a growing disconnect that feels fragile. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down what is really happening beneath the surface. From Argentina beef quotas and screwworm headlines to seasonal demand shifts, hog market weakness, and grain price frustration, they walk through what matters right now, what is just noise, and why risk management still matters even when optimism is high.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Takeaways

• Cattle futures are stuck in sideways action while cash remains firm
• 240 live cattle and 370 feeders continue to act as major technical resistance levels
• Volatility has returned, even without dramatic fundamental changes
• Argentina beef quota headlines created reaction, but long-term impact appears limited
• Mexico border reopening remains uncertain due to screwworm concerns
• Spring grilling demand will be critical to sustaining higher boxed beef values
• Hog markets are starting to show seasonal softness after a strong run
• Grain markets remain in limbo despite USDA adjustments
• The market does not care about your cost of production
• Waiting for the “perfect” top often results in missed profit windows
• Risk management matters more when profits are available than when they are gone
• Beef byproducts support far more of the economy than most consumers realize

Chapters

00:00 KU jokes and setting the tone
02:30 Sideways cattle and technical resistance levels
04:30 Cash vs futures disconnect and volatility concerns
06:15 Argentina beef quotas and headline reactions
08:20 Boxed beef, spring demand, and what breaks resistance
11:50 Seasonal pullbacks in cattle and hogs
15:20 Grain markets, USDA reports, and protecting new crop
19:00 Food security, beef byproducts, and economic impact

cattle market update, live cattle futures, feeder cattle futures, cash cattle vs futures, boxed beef prices, spring grilling demand, Argentina beef quota, Mexico border cattle, screwworm cattle update, hog market outlook, grain market outlook, corn price forecast, soybean market forecast, cattle risk management, price protection for cattle